Lois Lowry has written many wonderful books and this one ranks right up there with the best of them. The story of 11 year old Sophia and her dearest friend Sophie, who happens to be 88 years old, is thoughtful, warm, sad and happy, all stirred together beautifully. When Sophia finds out that Sophie’s son is having his mom evaluated for possible dementia and may move her into an assisted living facility closer to him and far away from her, she sets her mind on fixing the problem. But in the course of some sharing of memories of her childhood in the midst of World War II and some careful observations of a young neighbor friend who is likely on the spectrum, Sophia comes to some very tough realizations: 1) some problems can’t be fixed, and 2) some things that seem like problems really aren’t. I read Tree.Table.Book through in one sitting and know that this will be a book that readers of Barbara O’Connor, Cynthia Lord, Lisa Graff, and maybe even Gordon Korman and Jordan Sonnenblick will connect with. Text is free of profanity, sexual content, and violence. Representation: Jewish, Catholic, Methodist and non-religious families; single mom, older widow and traditional two parent homes. Highly recommended for grades 4-7.

Note: Not too thrilled with the cover art and think that librarians will need to put it into the hands of potential readers, create shelf talkers, include in an author talk of Lowry works, etc. until the word gets out.

I love all of Lois Lowry's books. Nothing can top the Giver quartet, but this is a great read for kids.

Sophie, our young narrator, is writing a book primarily to do with her elderly best friend of the same name. Unfortunately she overhears that Sophie maybe getting dementia. She begins testing her cognition by having her memorize words to help with her cognitive test. As the story progresses, Sophie learns the real life experiences of her best friend surviving and leaving Poland as a Jewish girl in WW2.

This is a lovely book and a perfect pairing for Lois Lowry's earlier book Number the Stars.

This digital review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Huge thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins Children's books for my review copy!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I love Lois Lowry - she has always been one of my favorite authors (especially The Giver). Her books are intended for young audiences, but that means nothing for the quality - her stories are beautifully written, wonderfully full, and will always leave you feeling something (I usually cry) - and Tree Table Book is no exception.

This short, 200 page novel captures so much humor and emotion in so few pages. I loved our narrator, Sophie, a precocious 11 year old girl who's best friend is an 88 year old woman, also named Sophie. I laughed at her 11-year-old logic; cried as she was forced to reckon with hard realities (dementia, WW2, etc.); and wholeheartedly believed that an 11 year old wrote it because of the authenticity Lowry manages to achieve in voice and narration.

I can't say too much without giving it away, but this is a beautiful book and is a super fast read. You can't beat Lowry, you simply can't!

Sophie and Sophie are best friends, despite a huge age difference. Young Sophie visits Elder Sophie after school, together they sip tea and talk till the sun goes down. Lately, Elder Sophie has been very forgetful, she's been burning teakettles and forgets the date often. Soon, Elder Sophie begins telling stories of her youth, introducing Young Sophie to a whole new side of their dear friend.

This bittersweet story is a delightful read for all ages, even though it is written for middle grade readers. It has beautiful language that creates vivid images of past and present. Lois Lowry is a master of their craft and this book is a testimony to it.

Tree. Table. Book.

By Lois Lowery

Lois Lowry understands children’s emotions. That’s what has made The Giver and Number the Stars modern classics. Lowry’s new book, Tree. Table. Book. is bound to satisfy those who have been waiting for more wisdom from Lowry. Written for children, parents would do well to read all of Lowry’s books as well. And maybe grandparents.

Sophie Henry Winslow is an original. She is an eleven-year-old whose best friend, Sophie, happens to be eighty-eight. Her friend, the older Sophie, lives next door and was her savior when she, the younger Sophie, accidentally got left at home alone (her parents each thought she was with the other). Sophie is not popular at school because she is different. Her other friend (but definitely not her BEST friend), Ralphie, is also not popular.

Sophie enters the world of adults on her own terms, somewhat like a modern-day Eloise or Pippi Longstocking. She knows words that your average eleven-year-old wouldn't know. She actually understands not just that she is different but why. Independent seven and eight year olds (at least those who are good readers) are going to love this book. But so will nine, ten, and eleven and maybe twelve-year-olds. It's the kind of book that you want to keep and never give to the local book sale, no matter how tattered. So, thank you Lois Lowry, from a 75-year-old who thought it was a privilege to read your new book.

A quick and engaging read, I appreciated the multigenerational relationship between the pre-teen narrator and her elderly neighbor. The cast of neighborhood characters also added neurodiversity to the storyline. Lowry artfully weaves 3 stories set subtly during WWII into the narrative based around the keywords of TREE, TABLE, and BOOK. I valued Lowry's storytelling style of "less is more" thus allowing reader's to think for themselves in regards to the implications and impact of the stories woven into the narrative. Two thumbs up! I recommend this chapter book as an addition to elementary library collections. NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The perspective and voice in which this story is written is masterful, gentle, and honest. The relationship between 11-year-old Sophie and 88-year-old Sophie comes across as genuine and caring. Lowry reveals character through rich description and action rather than trite labels. I was emotionally drawn in even further by the revelations brought out by three simple words--Tree. Table. Book. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.

I see Lois Lowry’s name and I say sign me up!

Best friends…both named Sophie…eighty years apart. The elder Sophie is showing signs of Dementia and the younger one overhears a conversation that her friend may have to move away… which sparks young Sophie to try and help her best friends cognition.

This was an absolute treat to read an early edition of. It’s been years since I’ve read a book by this author and this is one I’m going to cherish. Three simple words TREE. TABLE. BOOK. can spark so much meaning for one person and the narrative Lowery has created about history, friendship and listening to those who are willing to share filled my heart with so much warmth and hope.

Any age can appreciate the story being told in TREE. TABLE. BOOK.

Thank you Clarion Books
Release 4/23

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/

Lois Lowry never disappoints. Tree. Table. Book features two Sophies - they are best friends and 70 years apart in age. When young Sophie overhears older Sophie's son talking about moving his mother into an assisted living home she knows she has to do something for her friend. She sets up a series of tests to prove that older Sophie's memory is okay. Throughout the story - young Sophie thinks if older Sophie can come up with a story for each word - she'll be able to remember them. The stories about a tree, a table, and a book are from old Sophie's childhood as a Jewish girl in Poland and are heartbreaking stories of poverty and the Nazi invasion of Poland. I think middle-grade readers will enjoy the story. As an adult, I'd love to see Lois Lowry write a story about older Sophie's life and how she survives the occupation. I appreciate NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Tree. Table. Book.

Multigenerational stories are classic children's lit, and this one is another gift from the giver, Lois Lowry. She can capture the complexities of human relationships and emotions better than any writer and has done so again.

This is a sweet book that deals with the difficult topic of dementia. It is dealt with in a tender and loving way that makes it easier to deal with for young readers. I loved this book and the characters. It also sends positive messages to young people that things don't always have to be fixed and that change can be ok. Would recommend to all children's librarians, teachers, families, children, etc.

Lois Lowry does it again. Tree, Table, Book is a beautiful tribute to friendship, love, and understanding. Sophie #1 is in elementary school. Sophie #2 is elderly and Sophie @1's best friend. The two share everything together over cups of tea. Sophie #2 begins to struggle with her memory and her son is looking into placing her in a care home. Sophie #1 and her friends, Oliver and Ralphie, set to work trying to assist Sophie #2 with her memory. This heartwarming story is a keeper.

You know how sometimes you pick up a book and know from the very first sentence that you love it? This was one of those books. I laughed and cried my way through this tenderly told story of a friendship between two Sophie's...one of them eleven, and one of them eighty eight years old. The side characters are lovable, the story is expertly told, and themes are change and contentment and compassion.

Lois Lowry's Tree, Table, Book deals with dementia and could be such a valuable tool for helping children to understand the difficult stages their loved ones are going through, and to open their eyes to what is good and valuable in those dear humans. This books helps us remember that a person with dementia's value is far greater than what they have forgotten. They have thousands of stories to still share and pass on to the next generation, and their worth lies in who they are at heart.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC! All opinions are my own!

Another beautifully written story by Lois Lowry. Tree. Table. Book. is a story of best friends snd neighbors, both named Sophie. Young Sophie is 11, Older Sophie is 88. Older Sophie has exhibited signs of mental decline due to dementia. Young Sophie has to grapple with what this means for her and her best friend. This is a beautiful tale of love, hope, and how friendship can transcend the ages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for this ebook ARC.

I love anything by Lois Lowry, and I have since...forever. I predict this one to be a future classic for sure!

I’m a big fan of Lois Lowry and have been reading her books since I was a child. I loved this book and how it shared the story of friendship between two Sophie’s. Their bond and love was portrayed so beautifully. Lowry did a great job of bringing in other themes of war and hardship between two generations. A great book for a young readers to introduce the power of friendship between generations.

An enchanting tale of friendship. Told in the first person from younger Sophie's perspective, it is told with all the charm of a precocious eleven year old who really wants to get the story right. Small Sophie can't bear the thought of taller Sophie being taken away by her son. She refuses to admit that her older friend may not be able to handle things on her own in the house next door. She attempts to help her friend ace the cognition test by teaching her to associate words she should remember with things in her past. Those associations help younger Sophie understand her friend's life and the larger world that she grew up in. Although this book deals with some heavy subjects, it does so in a way that shouldn't be overpowering to a young reader and may create some opportunities for discussion. Very well done.

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion for advance access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

Lois Lowry has done it again! *Thank you NetGalley and Clarion Books for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.* This book explored the relationship between two Sophies, one young and one old, as well as the complexity of relationships that are changed due to dementia and/or memory loss. Young Sophie grapples with the stories of love and loss from her elder friend Sophie, while coming to terms with the changing dynamic in their own relationship. I wanted more from the ending of this book, but I think that is simply because I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I will be recommending this book to students and their families, as well as purchasing several copies for my classroom library.

Sophia (called Sophie) is an unusual eleven-year old girl. She is very smart, not very popular, and her best friend is her 88 year-old neighbor, Sofie Gershowitz. She has a couple of other friends who live on their block, a boy in her class named Ralphie, and a seven-year old boy named Oliver. Ralphie and Oliver are also each unusual and unique in their own ways as well. Sophie and Sofie became friends when Sophie's parents accidentally left her home alone when she was nine, and they have been close friends since then. But Sofie's memory is starting to fade, and her son Aaron, who lives in another city, is concerned about his 88 year-old mother living alone. Sophie - whose interests include the Merck manual of medical diagnoses - reads about dementia tests, and tries to prepare Sofie for the tests the doctor will give her, hoping to keep her in the house across the street, and not in a retirement community in another state.

This is a quietly touching story of love between kindred spirits, of a young girl trying to find her way in the world with the help of her experienced elder companion - her grandmother, in all but name. Along the way, Sofie shares her history with Sophie, a history even her son doesn't know, one that includes experiences during the Holocaust, when Sofie was left with a Catholic family after her father and older brothers were taken away, her home ransacked, and her mother desperate to find help for herself, and, especially, her two young daughters.

This would be a wonderful read-aloud, an incredible story to share with children and teens (and even adults) with a relative suffering from the onset of dementia, and a magnificent story to share with anyone who needs to learn to accept others as who they are, and not who the world wants them to be. Recommended for readers of all ages.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is such a simple story, yet the message is very deep. On the surface, it is a story of friendship between an eleven year old girl named Sophie and her next door neighbor and best friend, eighty-eight year old Sophie. The older woman is beginning to get dementia and young Sophie is trying to determine if that is, in fact, true. In the process of young Sophie testing her, the elder Sophie shares some very personal stories of her childhood as a young Jewish girl in Poland during the Holocaust.

There are not a lot of details to the stories - just enough to paint a picture and share a few facts - maybe enough to spark an interest in the reader for learning more. This would be a good read-aloud for a teacher to pair with a history unit or just a nice novel to have available in a fifth grade classroom library.

I enjoyed this novel and am thankful for an eARC of #TreeTableBook by #LoisLowry in exchange for honest feedback.